I’m wanting to downsize / simplify my current system with a single integrated unit. I’m considering either the Atom or Nova. I haven’t heard either but I’m a big Naim fan. My current system is very nice and highly resolving (Aurender N10 streamer→Weiss DAC204→Rogue Audio RP-7).
For those who have heard both, is there a big difference in sound between the Atom and Nova?
It would be powering my Harbeth P3ESR bookshelf speakers and stereo Rel subwoofers.
Thanks in advance!
I have an Atom in my bedroom and a Nova in the living room and would say that there is a significant difference in sound quality between the two of them (even given the fact that sound assessments are pretty subjective). I’d strongly recommend hearing the two side by side in a controlled environment (like that of a friendly dealer) to help with your decision.
Stephen
With your speakers, which are low sensitivity and really benefit from a more powerful amplifier, the Nova is the better choice.
Those loudspeakers works fine with low watt amps in small to medium room.
Even a Quad 303 or Rega IO will work fine.
Now this makes my vote on Atom, many dealers have these on discount so maybe half of a Nova price is tempting.
I don’t believe there’s much difference in sound quality between Nova and Atom in this scenario, its the streaming service that often set the output quality. In a “normal room at normal” SPL, Atom will be fine, as you already have a sub.
I’ve listened to the Atom and Nova side by side at my dealer’s, paired with various speakers. And yes, the Nova is slightly better, particularly in terms of bass control. However, the price difference didn’t seem justified for the difference in sound quality in practice. You’ve been using a valve amplifier with the Harbeth speakers. In that case, the Atom should perform in a similar way. I’ve had the Atom for many years, and a few additional measures help a great deal and optimise its performance. These include a better power cable (Naim Powerline, or if that’s too expensive, I can recommend a Vovox Excelsus). I also had it on a glass plinth and later on a Naim Fraim. Good, suitable speaker cables also have a very positive effect. The money saved compared to the Nova can be well and effectively invested here. Looking at your system, you have a high-quality streamer/DAC combination. Have you considered buying a Naim Nait50 integrated amplifier and keeping the Aurender/Weiss? I think that could be a killer combination, sounding better than the Atom or Nova… You’ll find plenty of enthusiastic users here in the forum talking about the Nait50. It works well with Harbeth P3.
A used Nova is about the same price as a new Atom. I have a Nova in my office with LS50s as my second system. There is a pretty large difference in my experience between the two, but easy enough to test the two back to back with the same speakers.
Thanks everyone for your great input! As someone pointed out a used Nova is the same price as a new Atom. Also, based on what I can see a used Nova is about $1k more than a used Atom.
Given the $1k difference, is the Nova worth the extra money over the Atom?
Yes! Nova has twice the power and grips speakers . Used nova to new atom is price comparable
Or, in the UK, a factory refurbished Nova PE…….???
ATB, J
You should go for the Nova with your speakers due to low sensitivity. I used my old Atom on 91dB/4-ohm (even if 4-ohm isn’t recommended by Naim) and it played wonderful with enough power. Later I bought a 90dB/8-ohm (a high end speaker) and it was struggling. A new Nova was an extremely much better match.
I went to my local stereo shop today. I was able to listen to the Adam and Nova through the same speakers. Shockingly, I seem to prefer the atom. I’m extremely picky and OCD about sound and I’m used to my current high-end system. So what in the world is going on here? Is there something wrong with my ears or could this be possible I do prefer the atom?
The Nova has more power and weight and suspect it depends on speakers if the Atom or Nova is the answer….
From an aesthetic prospective the Atom looks much “cooler” to my eyes.
I did end up selling my Nova and went back to the Atom as I actually preferred it too.
Suspect the nova comes into play with more demanding speakers
I had a Nova with my P3ESR , very happy with it, now have a NAIT 50 which is even better .
I think There is one user who has trialed the Atom against the CI102 with P3ESR and went for the lower priced model
I’ve been thinking about this for a while too. I currently have an Atom and I’ve decided that the future upgrade path for me will be an Atom HE and active speakers.
Atom he and active speakers is a neat solution and good value too!
Gary
Nova - the Atom last a few days and i went Nova years ago.
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